Dim: meaning, definitions and examples

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dim

 

[dษชm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

low light conditions

dim means not bright or clear. It can also refer to a lack of intelligence or understanding.

Synonyms

dull, faint, gloomy, obscure.

Examples of usage

  • The room was dimly lit by a single candle.
  • She had a dim memory of the event.
  • He's not the brightest bulb in the box, a bit dim if you ask me.
Context #2 | Verb

make less intense

dim as a verb means to make less intense or bright. It can also refer to making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic.

Synonyms

darken, dull, weaken.

Examples of usage

  • She dimmed the lights in the theater.
  • His harsh criticism dimmed her enthusiasm for the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'dym,' meaning 'to be or become dark.'
  • It is related to words in other languages, like the German 'dimm' and Dutch 'dimmer,' all connoting low light.
  • Its use as a verb meaning to reduce brightness dates back to the 14th century.

Literature

  • In poetry, dimly lit settings often evoke mystery and melancholy, enhancing emotional depth.
  • Authors frequently use dim lighting in descriptions to symbolize confusion or inner turmoil.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's plays utilize dim imagery to set the mood or foreshadow events.

Psychology

  • Dim environments can affect mood and cognition, often leading to feelings of relaxation or sadness.
  • Research shows that bright lighting enhances alertness, while dim lighting can provoke introspection.
  • Studies suggest that people feel more private or secure in dimly lit spaces, influencing social behavior.

Technology

  • In modern lighting design, dimmable LEDs allow users to adjust light intensity for various moods.
  • Smart home technology now lets you control dimming via voice or mobile apps, adding convenience.
  • Dim light settings are often featured in presentations, enhancing focus on the displayed content.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'dim your lights' appears in songs, often associated with romance and intimate moments.
  • Movies often use dim lighting to build suspense, making audiences feel more engaged and tense.
  • Famous films often symbolize danger or mystery through dimly lit scenes, enhancing dramatic impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "dim" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escuro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเฅเค‚เคงเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช dunkel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ redup

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ัŒะผัะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ciemny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่–„ๆš—ใ„ (usugurai)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sombre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tenue

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท loลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–ด๋‘์šด (eodu-un)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุงูุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tlumenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tlmenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆš—ๆทก (ร ndร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zatemnjen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dimmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบาฏาฃะณั–ั€ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒฅแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaranlฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tenue

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,904 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.